No injuries after officer's weapon discharges during scuffle with a suspect

(KMOV.com) -- Authorities said an officer's weapon accidentally discharged during a struggle with a suspect who was running from police.

The incident happened in the 2600 block of Hickory in around 1 p.m. Officials said and officer was conducting a pedestrian check on a 21-year-old male subject when the man fled on foot. The officer drew his pistol as he chased the suspect because the suspect held his waistband as he ran.

The officer said he was not certain if the suspect was armed, so he drew his weapon as a precaution because suspects carrying pistols in their waistbands frequently hold their waistband to keep the pistol from falling to the ground.

The suspect ran into a gangway and saw another officer running towards him. The suspect then tried to run up on a retaining wall, but the pursuing officer grabbed him and pulled the suspect to the ground. During the scuffle, the officer's gun accidentally discharged. The bullet did not strike the suspect or any officers.

The suspect was treated for minor injuries that he received during the struggle.